Isaiah 7
BSB1 Now in the days that Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, Rezin king of Aram marched up to wage war against Jerusalem. He was accompanied by Pekah son of Remaliah the king of Israel, but he could not overpower the city. 2 When it was reported to the house of David that Aram was in league with Ephraim, the hearts of Ahaz and his people trembled like trees in the forest shaken by the wind. 3 Then the LORD said to Isaiah, “Go out with your son Shear-jashub to meet Ahaz at the end of the aqueduct that feeds the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field, 4 and say to him: Calm down and be quiet. Do not be afraid or disheartened over these two smoldering stubs of firewood—over the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah. 5 For Aram, along with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has plotted your ruin, saying: 6 ‘Let us invade Judah, terrorize it, and divide it among ourselves. Then we can install the son of Tabeal over it as king.’ 7 But this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘It will not arise; it will not happen. 8 For the head of Aram is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin. Within sixty-five years Ephraim will be shattered as a people. 9 The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah. If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all.’" 10 Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying, 11 “Ask for a sign from the LORD your God, whether from the depths of Sheol or the heights of heaven." 12 But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask; I will not test the LORD." 13 Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, O house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God as well? 14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel. 15 By the time He knows enough to reject evil and choose good, He will be eating curds and honey. 16 For before the boy knows enough to reject evil and choose good, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste. 17 The LORD will bring on you and on your people and on the house of your father a time unlike any since the day Ephraim separated from Judah—He will bring the king of Assyria." 18 On that day the LORD will whistle to the flies at the farthest streams of the Nile and to the bees in the land of Assyria. 19 And they will all come and settle in the steep ravines and clefts of the rocks, in all the thornbushes and watering holes. 20 On that day the Lord will use a razor hired from beyond the Euphrates —the king of Assyria—to shave your head and the hair of your legs, and to remove your beard as well. 21 On that day a man will raise a young cow and two sheep, 22 and from the abundance of milk they give, he will eat curds; for all who remain in the land will eat curds and honey. 23 And on that day, in every place that had a thousand vines worth a thousand shekels of silver, only briers and thorns will be found. 24 Men will go there with bow and arrow, for the land will be covered with briers and thorns. 25 For fear of the briers and thorns, you will no longer traverse the hills once tilled by the hoe; they will become places for oxen to graze and sheep to trample.
Study Notes — Isaiah 7
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Isaiah 7
- Themes from Isaiah 7
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Isaiah 7
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with the threat of invasion from Syria and Israel, which causes King Ahaz and the people of Judah to fear. However, through the prophet Isaiah, God assures Ahaz of His presence and protection, calling him to trust in His sovereignty. Isaiah gives Ahaz a sign, the birth of a son to a virgin, which will be a confirmation of God's faithfulness. The chapter concludes with a warning to Ahaz and the people of Judah to trust in God and not in human alliances or strength. Key verses include Isaiah 7:9, which says, 'If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all,' and Isaiah 7:14, which prophesies the birth of Immanuel.
Context for the Chapter
Isaiah chapter 7 is set in the context of the threat of invasion from Syria and Israel, which causes King Ahaz and the people of Judah to fear. However, through the prophet Isaiah, God assures Ahaz of His presence and protection, calling him to trust in His sovereignty. This chapter is part of the larger narrative of the book of Isaiah, which emphasizes God's faithfulness and sovereignty in the face of uncertainty and fear.
Heart Application
This chapter calls us to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even in the face of uncertainty and fear. As we reflect on God's promises and faithfulness, we are encouraged to stand firm in our faith, trusting in His presence and protection. We can apply this to our lives by seeking to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem uncertain or frightening.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about God's sovereignty and faithfulness in the face of uncertainty and fear. King Ahaz is threatened by invasion, but God assures him of His presence and protection. The chapter also prophesies the birth of Immanuel, who is Jesus Christ. As we read this chapter, we are called to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem uncertain or frightening, as seen in Isaiah 7:9 and Isaiah 7:14.
Voices from the Church
“The prophecy of Immanuel is a most precious and comforting truth, reminding us that God is always with us, even in the darkest of times.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The sign given to Ahaz, the birth of a son to a virgin, is a confirmation of God's faithfulness and sovereignty, and it points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Threat of Invasion (Isaiah 7:1-9) — The chapter begins with the threat of invasion from Syria and Israel, which causes King Ahaz and the people of Judah to fear.
- God's Assurance of Presence and Protection (Isaiah 7:4-9) — Through the prophet Isaiah, God assures Ahaz of His presence and protection, calling him to trust in His sovereignty.
- The Sign of Immanuel (Isaiah 7:10-14) — Isaiah gives Ahaz a sign, the birth of a son to a virgin, which will be a confirmation of God's faithfulness and sovereignty.
- The Warning to Trust in God (Isaiah 7:15-25) — The chapter concludes with a warning to Ahaz and the people of Judah to trust in God and not in human alliances or strength.
- The Fulfillment of the Prophecy (Matthew 1:22-23) — The prophecy of Immanuel is fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the rise and fall of nations and the lives of individuals. As seen in Isaiah 7:4-9, God's sovereignty is emphasized as He assures Ahaz of His presence and protection.
- Faithfulness of God
- The chapter highlights God's faithfulness, as He keeps His promises and fulfills His plans. This is seen in Isaiah 7:14, where God gives Ahaz a sign of His faithfulness, the birth of a son to a virgin.
- Importance of Faith
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith, as God calls Ahaz and the people of Judah to trust in His sovereignty and faithfulness. This is seen in Isaiah 7:9, which says, 'If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.'
- Prophecy and Fulfillment
- The chapter demonstrates the connection between prophecy and fulfillment, as the prophecy of Immanuel is fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ. This is seen in Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:22-23.
Lessons from Isaiah 7
- Trust in God's Sovereignty — This chapter teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem uncertain or frightening.
- The Importance of Faith — The chapter highlights the importance of faith, as God calls us to trust in His sovereignty and faithfulness.
- The Significance of Prophecy — The chapter demonstrates the significance of prophecy, as the prophecy of Immanuel is fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ.
- The Danger of Unbelief — The chapter warns against unbelief, as Ahaz and the people of Judah are cautioned against trusting in human alliances or strength.
- The Fulfillment of God's Plans — The chapter teaches us that God's plans will be fulfilled, as the prophecy of Immanuel is fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ.
Themes from Isaiah 7
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all things, including the rise and fall of nations and the lives of individuals.
- Faith and Trust — The chapter highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness.
- Prophecy and Fulfillment — The chapter demonstrates the connection between prophecy and fulfillment, as the prophecy of Immanuel is fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ.
- The Danger of Unbelief — The chapter warns against unbelief, as Ahaz and the people of Judah are cautioned against trusting in human alliances or strength.
- The Significance of Immanuel — The chapter teaches us about the significance of Immanuel, who is Jesus Christ, and the fulfillment of God's plans in His birth.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways that God's sovereignty is emphasized in this chapter?
- How does the concept of faith relate to the themes of this chapter?
- What is the significance of the prophecy of Immanuel in this chapter?
- How can we apply the lessons of this chapter to our own lives, trusting in God's sovereignty and faithfulness?
- What are some ways that we can stand firm in our faith, as encouraged in Isaiah 7:9?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Threat of Invasion (Isaiah 7:1-9)
| Isaiah 7:1 | The chapter begins with the threat of invasion from Syria and Israel, which causes King Ahaz and the people of Judah to fear. |
| Isaiah 7:2 | The threat of invasion is described in detail, with the armies of Syria and Israel gathering against Judah. |
| Isaiah 7:3 | King Ahaz and his people are fearful, as they realize the gravity of the threat against them. |
| Isaiah 7:4 | Through the prophet Isaiah, God assures Ahaz of His presence and protection, calling him to trust in His sovereignty. |
| Isaiah 7:5 | God tells Ahaz not to fear the threat of invasion, as He will protect Judah. |
| Isaiah 7:6 | God warns Ahaz against trusting in human alliances or strength, as this will lead to destruction. |
| Isaiah 7:7 | God assures Ahaz that the threat of invasion will not come to pass, as He will protect Judah. |
| Isaiah 7:8 | God gives Ahaz a sign, the fall of Damascus and the death of the king of Israel, which will confirm His faithfulness. |
| Isaiah 7:9 | God warns Ahaz that if he does not stand firm in his faith, he will not stand at all. |
2. The Sign of Immanuel (Isaiah 7:10-14)
| Isaiah 7:10 | God offers to give Ahaz a sign, to confirm His faithfulness and sovereignty. |
| Isaiah 7:11 | Ahaz is given the opportunity to ask for a sign, to confirm God's promises. |
| Isaiah 7:12 | Ahaz refuses to ask for a sign, as he does not want to test God. |
| Isaiah 7:13 | Isaiah rebukes Ahaz for his lack of faith, as he has refused to trust in God's sovereignty. |
| Isaiah 7:14 | Isaiah gives Ahaz a sign, the birth of a son to a virgin, which will be a confirmation of God's faithfulness and sovereignty. |
3. The Warning to Trust in God (Isaiah 7:15-25)
| Isaiah 7:15 | The chapter concludes with a warning to Ahaz and the people of Judah to trust in God and not in human alliances or strength. |
| Isaiah 7:16 | God warns Ahaz that the threat of invasion will not come to pass, as He will protect Judah. |
| Isaiah 7:17 | God assures Ahaz that He will bring judgment on Judah, if they do not trust in Him. |
| Isaiah 7:18 | God warns Ahaz that the day of the Lord is coming, when He will bring judgment on all nations. |
| Isaiah 7:19 | God tells Ahaz that the people of Judah will be punished, if they do not trust in Him. |
| Isaiah 7:20 | God warns Ahaz that the people of Judah will be shaved, as a sign of their humiliation. |
| Isaiah 7:21 | God assures Ahaz that a remnant will survive, who will trust in Him and be saved. |
| Isaiah 7:22 | God tells Ahaz that the remnant will eat curds and honey, as a sign of their prosperity. |
| Isaiah 7:23 | God warns Ahaz that the land will be desolate, as a result of the people's unfaithfulness. |
| Isaiah 7:24 | God tells Ahaz that the people of Judah will be punished, if they do not trust in Him. |
| Isaiah 7:25 | God assures Ahaz that a remnant will survive, who will trust in Him and be saved. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical context of Isaiah 7?
The chapter is set in the context of the threat of invasion from Syria and Israel, which causes King Ahaz and the people of Judah to fear. This is seen in Isaiah 7:1-9, where the threat of invasion is described in detail.
What is the significance of the prophecy of Immanuel?
The prophecy of Immanuel is a significant element in this chapter, as it points to the birth of Jesus Christ and God's ultimate plan of redemption. This is seen in Isaiah 7:14, where Isaiah gives Ahaz a sign, the birth of a son to a virgin.
How does this chapter relate to the rest of the book of Isaiah?
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of the book of Isaiah, which emphasizes God's faithfulness and sovereignty in the face of uncertainty and fear. The chapter is connected to other parts of the book, such as Isaiah 8-9, which also emphasize God's sovereignty and faithfulness.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 7:14 → Matthew 1:22-23 | The prophecy of Immanuel is fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament. |
| 2 | Isaiah 7:9 → Hebrews 11:6 | The concept of faith is emphasized in both Isaiah 7:9 and Hebrews 11:6, as God calls us to trust in His sovereignty and faithfulness. |
| 3 | Isaiah 7:1-9 → 2 Kings 15:29 | The historical context of Isaiah 7 is described in 2 Kings 15:29, which records the threat of invasion from Syria and Israel. |
| 4 | Isaiah 7:10-14 → Luke 1:26-31 | The prophecy of Immanuel is connected to the birth of Jesus Christ, as recorded in Luke 1:26-31. |
| 5 | Isaiah 7:15-25 → Isaiah 8:1-22 | The warning to trust in God, given in Isaiah 7:15-25, is connected to the larger narrative of the book of Isaiah, which emphasizes God's faithfulness and sovereignty. |
| 6 | Isaiah 7:14 → John 1:1-14 | The prophecy of Immanuel is connected to the larger narrative of the Bible, which emphasizes God's plan of redemption through Jesus Christ. |
| 7 | Isaiah 7:9 → Romans 11:20 | The concept of faith is emphasized in both Isaiah 7:9 and Romans 11:20, as God calls us to trust in His sovereignty and faithfulness. |
| 8 | Isaiah 7:1-9 → Psalm 46:1-11 | The historical context of Isaiah 7 is connected to the larger narrative of the Bible, which emphasizes God's sovereignty and faithfulness in the face of uncertainty and fear. |
| 9 | Isaiah 7:10-14 → Genesis 3:15 | The prophecy of Immanuel is connected to the larger narrative of the Bible, which emphasizes God's plan of redemption through Jesus Christ. |
| 10 | Isaiah 7:15-25 → Isaiah 9:1-7 | The warning to trust in God, given in Isaiah 7:15-25, is connected to the larger narrative of the book of Isaiah, which emphasizes God's faithfulness and sovereignty. |
Sermons on Isaiah 7
| Sermon | Description | |
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Let God Be in You by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God has chosen individuals from seemingly ordinary and unpromising backgrounds to serve Him. He encourages the audience, whether they a |
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A Cry Against the Wicked Youth of America by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher talks about a man, a Hebrew, who is running through the streets proclaiming that there are only 40 days left before everyone will die because of their |
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Christ the Man #1 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of learning and remembering spiritual principles. He highlights the story of a man who relied on the Lord and experienced divi |
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Never, Always, Sometimes, Not Now! by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the importance of growing up and maturing spiritually. He uses the story of Moses and the Israelites to illustrate this point. When the Israel |
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God's Four Warnings by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher highlights four significant moments in the Bible where God looked and warned humanity. The first moment is when God created the lights in the heavens t |
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(Guidelines) Fulfilled Prophecy by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker presents fulfilled prophecy as the conclusive proof that the Bible is the Word of God. He explains that one fourth of the Bible is prophetic, denouncing |
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Midrash - Rabbi Jesus of Nazareth by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the belief that God has a son. While acknowledging that God does not have a son in the sense of human procreation, the speaker argues that it |
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First Epistle of John - Part 1 by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from a life of sin. He highlights the power of God's forgiveness and the ability to overcome f |
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The Power of Fire by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for a revival of the fire of the Holy Spirit in Christianity. He criticizes the intellectualization and marketing techniques that ha |
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Walking Into Your God Given Destiney by Aaron Lapp Jr by Aaron Lapp Jr. | This sermon emphasizes the importance of faith, forgiveness, and prayer in fulfilling God's calling and destiny for individuals. It uses powerful illustrations like the story of li |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Isaiah 7
In this chapter, we see the faithfulness of God in the face of uncertainty and fear. King Ahaz is threatened by invasion, but God assures him of His presence and protection. The prophecy of Immanuel is a significant element in this chapter, pointing to the birth of Jesus Christ and God's ultimate plan of redemption. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel,' which is a clear reference to Jesus Christ, who is 'God with us.' This chapter teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem uncertain or frightening. We are encouraged to stand firm in our faith, trusting in God's presence and protection, as seen in Isaiah 7:9, which says, 'If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Sovereignty
Throughout the chapter, God's sovereignty is emphasized, as He assures Ahaz of His presence and protection. This is seen in Isaiah 7:4-9, where God tells Ahaz not to fear the threat of invasion.
The Importance of Faith
The chapter highlights the importance of faith, as God calls Ahaz and the people of Judah to trust in His sovereignty and faithfulness. This is seen in Isaiah 7:9, which says, 'If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.'
The Prophecy of Immanuel
The prophecy of Immanuel, given in Isaiah 7:14, is a significant element in this chapter, pointing to the birth of Jesus Christ and God's ultimate plan of redemption.